Computer Science (Game Engineering) MComp Honours

Program Overview

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Course overview

You will develop the skills and knowledge required to develop computer game software and you will gain an international perspective on advancements in computer game development.

Explore different aspects of computing science – such as games design, bioinformatics, and security – in your first two years.

You will study specialist modules in Stage 3, such as gaming simulations and computer games development.

Take modules from our MSc degree in Computer Game Engineering in Stage 4 to develop a deep understanding of game engineering.

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About Game Engineering

Our degrees in Game Engineering focus on the design, development and implementation of software that drives computer games (rather than the artistic element of games development).

They enable you to design, develop and implement computer graphics software and applications on a variety of architectures including games consoles, graphic workstations and advanced 3D reality environments.

They also allow you to exploit such software and hardware in entertainment, engineering, design and scientific visualisation.

The North East of England is a hub for games development, making it an exciting place to kick-start your career in the industry.

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BSc or MComp?

Some of our degrees are offered at two levels:

three-year Bachelor of Science (BSc)

four-year Master of Computing (MComp)

You can transfer between our degrees up to the end of Stage 2 (although transfer from a BSc to an MComp is dependent on your academic performance).

Our MComp degrees involve an additional year of advanced study during which you follow master's-level modules from one of our MSc programmes. This provides you with a deeper level of knowledge that some employers will look for when recruiting.

If you are unsure whether to apply for a BSc or an MComp, please contact us for more information.

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Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2022-23.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Program Outline

Modules and learning

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Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability

Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

You'll learn the fundamentals of computer science, with an emphasis on developing your skills in program design and implementation. You'll gain experience in Java programming and develop a broad view of hardware and software architectures.

You'll develop an appreciation of what it is to be a professional working in the IT industry and develop your problem-solving skills.

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Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Fundamentals of Computing	20
Computer Systems Design and Architectures	20
Foundations of Data Science	20
Programming Portfolio 1	30
Programming Portfolio 2	30

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How you'll learn

Teaching Time

Independent Study

39 61 Learning methods used over the year (estimated % of time)

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How you'll be assessed

Written Exams

Coursework

33 67 Assessment methods used over the year (estimated % of time)

You'll study modules in software engineering, algorithm design and the fundamental principles that govern the operation of the internet.

We'll introduce you to requirements analysis and databases, and the formal specification of software systems.

You'll also work in a team to engineer a substantial software product, developing practical teamworking skills.

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Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Security and Programming Paradigms	20
Algorithm Design and Analysis	10
Software Engineering Team Project	30
Introducing Contemporary Topics in Computing	30
Software Systems Design and Implementation	30

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How you'll learn

Teaching Time

Independent Study

33 67 Learning methods used over the year (estimated % of time)

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How you'll be assessed

Written Exams

Coursework

25 75 Assessment methods used over the year (estimated % of time)

You'll study specialist topics such as computer games programming, graphical representation, and the latest artificial intelligence techniques involved in making the gaming experience as realistic as possible, for example, making sure cars corner as they would in real life.

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Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Major Project and Dissertation in Computer Science	60
Graphics for Games	10
Gaming Technologies and Simulations	20

Optional Modules	Credits
Distributed Systems	10
Introduction to Quantum Computing	10
Abstract models of systems & Languages	20
Understanding Concurrency	10
Introduction to BioDesign and Natural Computing	20
Biomedical Data Analytics and AI	20
Cryptography	10
System and Network Security	20
Fault Tolerant and Cyber-Physical Systems	20
Human Computer Interaction: Interaction Design	20
Predictive Analytics, Computer Vision & AI	20
Data Visualization and Visual Analytics	10
Career Development for final year students	20

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How you'll learn

Teaching Time

Independent Study

25 75 Learning methods used over the year (estimated % of time)

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How you'll be assessed

Written Exams

Coursework

5 95 Assessment methods used over the year (estimated % of time)

You'll study topics from our Computer Game Engineering MSc. A challenging project also accounts for a quarter of your time, giving you the chance to develop your individual research skills under the guidance of our leading researchers.

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Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Project and Dissertation for MCOMP	30
Advanced Programming for Games	20
Advanced Graphics for Games	20
Advanced Game Technologies	20
Engineering Gaming Solutions within a Team	20

Optional Modules	Credits
Engineering for AI	10
Security Analysis of Complex Systems	10

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How you'll learn

Teaching Time

Independent Study

20 80 Learning methods used over the year (estimated % of time)

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How you'll be assessed

Coursework

100 Assessment methods used over the year (estimated % of time)

Information about these graphs

We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They combine data on the planned delivery and assessments of our courses in 2021-22 with data on the modules chosen by our students in 2020-21.

Teaching time is made up of:

scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present

structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision

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Teaching and assessment

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Teaching methods

Teaching methods include:

lectures – including guest lectures by visiting IT professionals

tutorials – from our expert staff

supervised practical work – which accounts for a significant amount of your time

project work – to help you develop real-world business skills such as teamworking and project management

Project work includes a team project in Stage 2 to develop a substantial software product and a major individual project in Stage 3.

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Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

Coursework

Dissertation or research project

Examinations – practical or online

Practical sessions

Presentations

Projects

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Skills and experience

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Business skills

In addition to your academic work, employers look for evidence of skills and experience. Our degrees have been created with industry need in mind. In Stage 2, you will gain a realistic preview into industry life, being taught in a team environment with real-life industry briefs. You will pick a problem – identified by industry – and develop a project to find a solution. The projects are marked by industry representatives, lecturers and the project sponsor.

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Research skills

In your final year, you'll complete a challenging project. This will give you the opportunity to develop your research skills under the guidance of our leading researchers.

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Chat to a student

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The lecturers are passionate about their specialist areas, making the whole university experience thought-provoking and interesting.

Alex, Computer Science student